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Obituary for Betty Jean Smith (Sexton)

I was born in St. Louis, Mo March 22, 1923 to Ruth Blalock Sexton and Rhea Farris Sexton. At 6 months of age my family and I took the train all the way to Los Angeles, California where I spent my life until I was 32 years old.

I graduated from the University of Southern California in 1945 a year after I married the love of my life, Russell Mervyn Smith, who was called to active duty in the Navy in February 1944, and we married as soon as he was sworn in. God blessed us with 4 beautiful, smart children over 3 states. Randall and Shelley were born in Los Angeles. Stacey was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Nancy was born in Dayton, Ohio.

Russ and I have had a long and good marriage, some years better than others, but that is life. We have traveled all over: In Europe were were in southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy all the way down to Rome (Florence was our favorite). Later we toured England, Scotland, and parts of Wales. We went to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia. We had a wonderful timeshare in Kauai which we loved, made a trip in the Caribbean on our 50th anniversary, sailed the islands of Hawaii on our 60th anniversary, and made our final cruise to Alaska.

We’ve been blessed with nine beautiful grandchildren whom we adore, and six great grandchildren who have brought joy to our lives.

God has been good to me. To my children, leave me with love and happiness in your hearts. I have had a good life and I love you all.

I am so sorry for the family’s loss. Death is one of the hardest trials to cope with. May you find comfort from the future promise recorded in Revelation 21:4 which says “he [God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more.” We have assurance from God’s word the Bible and we can be certain he will fulfill his words.

Hallee - Monday December 24, 2018 via Condolence Message

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C

My sincere condolences to this family. Our loving heavenly Father will not forget your dear loved one and he assures us that his life is precious to him. (Psalms 72:12-14).

Will miss your mom.
Loved getting to know her and spend time with her.

Wendell Holland - Sunday December 02, 2018 via Condolence Message

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D

To the Family, so sorry for your loss. Hope you will be comforted in knowing that Betty Jean has the prospect of being resurrected, healthy (in the flesh), to Paradise Earth just as Jehovah God has promised. In fact , the vast majority will enjoy everlasting life right here on earth as God had intended from the beginning. God's Kingdom will do this under the rule of Jesus Christ. READ John 5:28, 29, Job 14:14, 15,Psalms 37:29,Matthew 6:9,10, Matthew 5:5 and Revelation 21:2-4

DW - Friday November 30, 2018 via Condolence Message

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J

Want to express my dear condolences to the family. One of the hardest things to deal with is losing a loved one in death. I hope you can find comfort in the promise where God “will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more.” ~ Revelation 21:4